I am working on a Habitat house built on a slab. A conduit was forgotten that would allow a wire to lead to the kitchen’s island. Due to the design of the house/kitchen, I can’t think of any “attractive” way to bring a wire down from the ceiling to the island.
I know that the electrical code requires an outlet on a kitchen island. What I don’t know is why. I can’t see any benefit of having an outlet on an island unless (maybe) it is installed on the top of the kitchen. If it is not installed on the top of the island, I only see safety concerns made by appliance cords hanging over the edge. These cords could be snagged by a passerby, a wheelchair, or a small child thus possibly spilling a hot liquid or something else.
Would anyone care to take the time to explain the code’s thinking about electrical requirement for islands?
Also, does anyone have an idea how to get an electrical wire from the ceiling down to an island and blend in to the island look?
thank you
Replies
The reason for the requirement is that othewise people will string extension cords over to the wall to run appliances on the island, creating a number of hazards.
Do check the wording of the code carefully -- I'm vaguely remembering that there are criteria as to when an outlet is or isn't required, and you may have lucked out and it's not required in this specific case.
they dont allow outlets on an island in these parts, specifically for those reasons. Whenever a customer wants on an island they need to put one in after the fact.
I don't see any wiggle room in the code . It says
210.52(C)(2) Island Countertop Spaces. At least one receptacle shall be installed at each island countertop space with a long dimension of 600 mm (24 in.) or greater and a short dimension of 300 mm (12 in.) or greater.
If you don't have the floor tile in yet, cut the slab and drop in a PVC conduit.
The only other option is to come down from the top and try to hide it with some kind of decorative column.
This is not as rare as you would think. Lots of kitchen floors have saw cuts and the subsequent patch under the tile.